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Essex TV Starts Filming in Great Baddow

March 20, 2016

Today the Chronicle ran a story about a new television channel that is being run from a “top secret location in Great Baddow”. The channel is called Essex TV and it is planning to launch onto our screen in 2018.

What Is Essex TV?

Essex TV is the brainchild of Matthew Martino, a 23 year-old from Harlow. He said that as a result of shows such as The Only Way Is Essex, there is a need to portray the real Essex to the rest of the country.

Essex is a county that has a rich historical heritage, many leading businesses, many picturesque towns and villages plus a thriving night-life.

Matthew Martino went on to explain: “I can assure readers we won’t be showing Joey Essex 24/7 – that’s the type of show we want to pull away from.

“We want to create a localised hub for entertainment, news and current affairs and our intention is to highlight local talent and also to encourage businesses across the county to get involved.

“At the moment we’re busy shooting promotional videos and we just hope we can share something special about what makes Essex what it is.

“We understand that we’re not going to grow overnight but eventually we want to create short films and mini-series – like you see on Netflix – but first we need the commercial side to take off.”

Martino’s expertise to date has been in the mobile app market, but he has financial backing and has already raised the £75,000 needed to set up a studio in the village – the whereabouts is a mystery still though!

£1.2 million launch budget

Currently, Essex TV has has three cameramen and two editors. It has a budget of £1.2 million which is being used to prepare for a Sky TV deal.

Many local businesses have already contacted Essex TV, and Martino seems confident that the new channel will go as planned.

A Platform for Essex Film-makers

Essex TV is also providing opportunities for local film-makers to show off their skills and reach a targeted market. Martino said: “It’s important for me to highlight that film-makers need exposure and I hope we can provide the creative platform that the county’s bright minds need to flourish.

“We’ve recently shot a short piece about agricultural machinery at a farm in Writtle and we’ve also done pieces on a Second World War veteran as well as new restaurants in the county, so we want to incorporate a variety of flavours in the things we do.”

Alin Stacescu, the creative editor, said: “Our aim is to focus on the vibrancy of the county with experimental content.This is an exciting opportunity for previously hidden talent in Essex to make a name for themselves and become part of an exciting, locally orientated broadcast platform.”

Essex TV Needs You!

Essex TV is on the look out for interesting stories and welcomes contributions from the public. You may also get to appear on TV!

They are also looking for volunteers to help out with producing content, getting involved with production, editing and graphics. Ideally suited to those who are looking to kickstart a career in media and television. See their website for full details (subject to change).